CHAPTER 5
1052 Words
NYRA
Zack’s cabin smelled of herbs and burnt wood.
The lit lanterns cast soft shadows on the stone walls, creating a cozy, almost magical atmosphere.
We were sitting side by side on the floor, surrounded by dry leaves, jars, and bowls with chopped roots.
Zack was grinding something in a small stone mortar while speaking, his voice as calm as always.
“Where did you learn all this?”
“My mom was a powerful healer. There wasn’t a single female or male who didn’t come to her when they were sick. I learned everything just by watching.”
He handed me a sprig of gentian.
“This one’s good for controlling fevers. But you have to dose it right. Get it wrong, and it turns into poison.”
I smiled, enchanted by the way he talked.
“Zack, what happened to your pack and your family?” I asked, seeing his shoulders tense.
“It’s a very long and old story. I don’t want to talk about it right now, please.”
“I’m sorry.”
Zack smiled as he returned to helping me, and it seemed like he forgot my question and relaxed again.
For the first time in days, I felt my body light, like it was possible to laugh without carrying a weight.
We laughed together when I spilled a bowl of honey and he tried to clean it up with a torn towel.
“You’re worse than a blind werewolf apprentice,” he joked.
“Maybe I’m just pretending so you’ll teach me more,” I teased back.
Zack gave me that crooked smile and threw a leaf at me.
I retaliated, and in seconds we were laughing like children until he came too close.
“Like this,” he said softly, moving behind me and taking my hands.
“Stir in the direction of the Moon, not against it. Always feel the plant’s pulse.”
His hands covered mine, the warmth of his body filling my space.
I felt his breath near my neck, and when I turned my face to say something, he was there — so close I could see every detail of his eyes.
“Zack…” I murmured, but my voice vanished.
He gently touched my face, his rough, warm fingers against my skin. His eyes asked something his body already knew.
And then he kissed me.
It was slow at first.
Tender. Then more intense. I let myself go. Let myself forget.
He lifted me and set me on the table, and I wrapped my arms around his neck.
But then… the name came.
Marco.
The memory slashed through me like claws.
Zack noticed. He always did.
I kept my eyes closed, my forehead resting against his chest.
“Sorry,” I whispered.
“It’s okay,” he replied. “I know it’s not the right time.”
When we reached the gates of the Shadows of the Moon mansion the next day, my heart beat fast.
Zack stood steady beside me. The guard eyed us suspiciously, but Zack showed him a necklace with an ancient symbol. The guard frowned.
“We’ve come to speak with the alpha’s mate,” Zack said firmly. “I heard she needs care.”
The gate opened.
Every step into the mansion’s garden sank me into a mix of fear and fury. I was back. And everyone thought Nyra was dead.
When the main door opened… my blood ran cold.
It was my mother standing there.
She still wore the same low bun and the lavender-scented apron. She looked into my eyes… but didn’t recognize me.
Of course. Amber had always been the favorite. She must be here to take care of her.
“We came for Amber,” Zack said.
She just nodded and let us in.
“Come with me.”
I felt Zack’s hand squeeze mine. Firmly. It was like he was saying “you can do this.”
We went up to the second floor.
The hallway was still the same: hunting tapestries, silver candelabras, the smell of power. I stopped in front of the main door. When it opened, the world froze.
Amber was standing by the window, her hand resting on her belly.
The belly.
His child.
I held back the rage with everything I had. My fists clenched.
“Hello, this is my friend. Elena. She specializes in complicated pregnancies,” Zack said, introducing me.
Amber turned with a polite smile. But her eyes analyzed me coldly.
“I hope you understand this baby is the Alpha’s heir,” she said. “I want him born strong and healthy. I need you here… all the time.”
“Of course,” I said, my tone controlled. “I’ll do everything I can.”
“Good. You can stay at the mansion. There’s a room next to mine.”
She placed her hand on her belly and closed her eyes, feeling some discomfort. I took the opportunity.
“I’ll prepare something to ease your pain,” I said, quickly stepping out.
In the kitchen, I started preparing tea. My fingers trembled. I tried to take a deep breath.
But then I heard footsteps behind me. And before I could turn…
“You okay?” said a male voice — so familiar the ground seemed to vanish.
I turned slowly.
Marco was there. Too close. Tall, imposing… as handsome as ever.
“Yes,” I said, forcing a firm voice. “My name is Elena. I’m the healer.”
He studied me for a moment.
My whole body vibrated, hoping he’d say something. That he’d recognize my scent, my eyes… anything.
But no. He just smiled.
“Pleasure to meet you, Elena. I hope you do everything you can to ensure my child’s health. My family is what I love most in this world.”
Those words destroyed me.
“Of course,” I murmured, trying to smile. When he walked away, a tear escaped without permission.
Zack appeared behind me and wiped it with his thumb.
“You have to be strong,” he said.
“How can I do that, seeing the man I love loving another woman?” I whispered.
Zack didn’t answer.
I gave up my biggest dream to be here now. There's no going back.
- Writer
